Winchester, VA · Private University
Is Shenandoah University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$58,433
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$36,028
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$36,028
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$144,112
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.62x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
6.1 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
70.5%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$25,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$30,055
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Shenandoah University graduates earn $13,433 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Shenandoah University ranked by graduate earnings
100 graduates
18 graduates
38 graduates
21 graduates
23 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Shenandoah University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Shenandoah University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $70,543) and the lowest (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft: $31,336) is $39,207/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $70,543 | 2.0x |
| Biology, General | $53,262 | 1.5x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $51,981 | 1.4x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $48,787 | 1.4x |
| Psychology, General | $47,605 | 1.3x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $45,571 | 1.3x |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | $39,928 | 1.1x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness(1yr data) | $37,676 | 1.1x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftLowest | $31,336 | 0.9x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Shenandoah University offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $58,433 10 years after starting, $13,433 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 6.1 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.